Regent Park story not so simple

It was interesting to read the latest results from McMaster professor Jim Dunn’s research on the impact of redevelopment on Regent Park residents. The full story of redevelopment varies depending on time horizon – short and long term, and level of focus – individual or collective.

Housing is a major determinant of health – not surprisingly Regent Park residents living in new housing experience that housing as more secure, cleaner, more conducive to good health. Social integration is also a major determinant of health. Not surprisingly local residents experience access to amenities, banks, grocery stores, cultural facilities as positive and more conducive to good health.

We know that self determination is a major factor in one’s health. On a daily basis residents talk with us about how they do not feel able to influence what is happening to them or their community. Economic resources, health status, ability to speak English, and the skill to navigate unfamiliar systems are barriers to many residents exercising their autonomy. And this is not conducive to good health.

We know that parents want to protect their children from stigma, from threat, from being isolated. There is a historical stigma associated with being from Regent Park. Families including youth from Regent Park are being moved into different neighbourhoods across Toronto. In some situations these young people may be at risk of isolation or violence. There has been no resources of note invested in addressing this. And this isolation and risk is not conducive to good health.

We know that access to social supports is integral to good health. With families being relocated across Toronto, their social networks are disrupted, support systems are disrupted. Access to faith communities, and schools, and services are disrupted each and every time a step in the redevelopment unfolds. And this is not conducive to good health.

There is no simple answer to any question related to redevelopment. It is an ongoing complex experience that needs to be looked at in its fullness.

As physicians working in Regent Park, we feel this perspective is skewed and leaves out the experience of many of the people we serve. The study, conducted by organizations that have a limited presence in Regent Park, looks only at the experience of residents who have already been moved from an old unit to a new unit. It completely leaves out the experience of those who are still displaced in the process of redevelopment.

In Phase 3, which is unfolding right now, the majority of residents are being moved far away from the footprint of old Regent Park, with no choice in the matter. We have seen firsthand the dire health impacts of this relocation process on our patients.

Individuals and families already marginalized by poverty, poor health and barriers to accessing services, are being further marginalized by displacement. Children are being torn away from their schools and community. Already disadvantaged in so many ways, people are being further disempowered through the disruption of their support systems. These are the voiceless social casualties of Regent Park’s glorified revitalization.